How to Measure Your Belt Size

Of course, the easiest check is just to try the belt on in the store, at least wrapping it around your waist over your pants. Err on the side of shortness if you need to, rather than wrapping a long tail of leather around your hip a second time. Brand name will also play a factor, but means quite a bit less than the other factors. Because belts go around your pants, not just around your waist, a properly fitting belt will usually be a little larger than your waist size or pants size.

Men's belts come in two basic types: The way to tell the difference is by checking the width of the belt. A good rule of thumb is to literally use your thumb. If the belt is about the same width as your thumb, it's a dress belt. If it's wider, the belt is casual. Formal or dress belts will also usually be glossy or reflective, while casual belts will have flatter or more muted finishes.

A complete men's wardrobe should include at least one of each. Although men's belts come in a wide array of colors, if you aren't sure what you need, just focus on three main colors: Ideally, your wardrobe would include a formal and a casual belt in each of these three colors, but if you want to focus on just one or two, go with a black dress belt and a brown or tan casual belt.

You can also find attractive reversible belts that are two colors in one - for example, black on one side and tan on the other side. Typically, women's belts come in a much broader range of colors, styles, and materials than men's belts. Rather than choosing between formal and casual, women's choices run the gamut from dressy to casual, contemporary urban to feminine, vintage to western, and more. Basically, the type of women's belt you choose depends on the overall look you are going for.

When you need to look sharp or professional, a refined leather belt is probably a good choice. For a classic casual look, a brown or black leather, a simple but striking red belt, or even a worn-leather variety can help you achieve the look you want.

A braided or beaded belt slung low around your hips can impart a pretty, feminine look, as can a wide belt cinched around the waist of a favorite dress. And no western outfit is complete without a great western belt. Pair one with jeans and boots for great western style.

The great thing about belts is that different styles can change up the look of your favorite outfits, so don't hesitate to play around with many different types of belts and use these great accessories to jazz up or otherwise add your personal stamp to any dress, sweater, or tunic.

Although most belt manufacturers do not include the length of the belt buckle itself in the belt's labeled size, a few do. This can present somewhat of a problem because belt buckles come in different shapes and sizes, meaning the sizes of belts can vary considerably if the manufacturer uses this method. When buying a belt on eBay , however, you can always ask the seller any questions you have about the product before purchasing. So if you are unsure about the exact size of the belt or whether the size includes the length of the buckle, feel free to ask.

When you do find a belt you like and you have selected the right size, ordering on eBay is fast and easy. When you know how to choose the right belt size, ordering online becomes a safe and simple way to buy belts - no need to try them on first. Belts are a great way to add style and structure to almost any outfit. Now that you know how to choose the right size, you can have fun picking out belts of different styles, colors, and materials, as well as belts with buckles that express your preferences and personality.

You can also choose a new belt buckle for an existing belt, or buy a set of interchangeable belt buckles so you always have one that matches your outfit and mood. That rule stays with you in dress and casual wear: Glossy belts should be paired with highly-polished shoes; matte shoes go with matte belts.

Cloth shoes can be paired with cloth belts of a different color. Rare animal patterns can be very expensive, but should still be considered casual wear. A very high-quality ostrich-skin belt is too ostentatious for a business setting but can be very sharp-looking out on the town. Snakeskin and other reptilian patterns are eye-catching options as well — just keep in mind how much attention you want being drawn to your midsection.

The same holds true for brightly-colored belts of more conventional materials. There are a few common ways of approaching the basic task of holding your pants up. Most belts fall into one of these styles:.

Very similar-looking belts sometimes vary widely in cost. The quality of the leather is one common factor: Another good test of leather is to score the back very lightly with your fingernail — if a faint line appears, the leather is still soft and fresh. Old, hard leather will resist your nail. Construction is the other major factor affecting the price of a belt. Look for small, tight stitching with no loose ends wherever the leather has been sewn.

Buckles attached with a snap on the back of the belt can be changed out, while a buckle stitched in place is the only one you can wear with the belt — some men may find the flexibility of a snapped belt worth paying more for, especially in good leather.

Belts can be custom-cut at some leather goods stores. Brand name will also play a factor, but means quite a bit less than the other factors.

Spend the money on quality instead. Speaking of designer goods, some high-end jeans have a famous label right between two of the belt loops. You may be tempted to leave the belt off, so that the label can be displayed more prominently. Un-belted jeans, even expensive ones, make you look like a slob. Choose a slim belt that lets part of the label show and leave it to other people to notice your fantastic style — or not.

Interested to learn how to match clothing?

Men’s Belt Basics: Belt Colors. Leather should always match leather. That rule stays with you in dress and casual wear: brown leather shoes go with a brown leather belt, and black with black. Glossy belts should be paired with highly-polished shoes; matte shoes go with matte belts. Discover Men's Belts size guide with ASOS. BRANDED Men's Belts Branded Belt Sizes - Some brands may vary from these measurementsbut you can still use them as a guide. Example, if you wear a size 36 pants, you would order a size 38 belt. We do not make odd sizes (33, 35, 37, etc.) so you would have to go with a belt that is 2" larger. If you wear an odd size pants, say a size 37, and sticking with the " rule, you too should order a size